Steve Mason didn't have huge shoes to fill when he stepped in to replace the eccentric Ilya Bryzgalov last season. Pretty much all he had to do to become more likable with the Philadelphia media was smile and nod and not come off like metal patient. Mason did more than that though, he proved that he's actually a pretty damn good goalie, and today he was rewarded for that.

The Flyers seem to think they've found their answer at goalie, signing Mason today to a 3-year, $12.3 million contract extension. According to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, this deal does not include a no-trade clause. This deal puts Mason's cap hit at $4.1 million a year, which isn't that bad considering what we're paying some other players, looking at you Streit. Mason's cap hit before this contract was $2.9 million.

Mason has posted a record of 23-13-5 with a GAA of 2.19 since joining the Flyers last season.

The Flyers only have 15 players under contract next season, so they should not be strapped for cash when it comes time to pick up a free agent or two or make decisions on re-signing the likes of Brayden Schenn and Kimmo Timonen.